Goalkeepers to Watch in Washington State: High School 2A/1A

When we are talking about 2A and 1A High School classifications we start talking about some private schools and some of the more rural schools with modest enrollments. Though sometimes these schools and athletes are not in the everyday headlines, they can no doubt dominate and hold their own versus the toughest competition in their respective conferences and classifications. There is plenty of college level talent walking the halls of these schools, you just need to take a look.   The GK position is especially important at this level. Fewer student athletes enrolled mean less opportunity to find that one individual who has the specialized skills and talent to be that last line of defense. Every school needs one, but not every school can be so lucky.   Here are 4 goalkeepers from the HS girls 2A/1A classification to keep your eyes on during the season:    Kahn understands her role as the leader of the defense and directs player movements well. She has good shot stopping ability and judges ball flight skillfully. Where the junior goalkeeper especially shines is her ability to be aggressive. She does not shy away from contact nor 1v1 situations. Kahn makes it difficult to get a clean shot off if you are going to attack within the 18. Elle and her AMHS Wildcats are out to a hot start in 2024 and look to continue this trend into the postseason.   <figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/fPwEk6PCrHQ?si=OSbiLs6efoo_lBWc </div></figure>     Madison is one of the hardest workers on the pitch. She plays much bigger than her listed height suggests and can make the saves her taller peers may take for granted. The major difference between Maddi and other prep goalkeepers is that the passion for her craft shines through with every save. She also has no problem putting her body on the line to be aggressive in 1v1 encounters. Burrus' continued focus on footwork and technique is what makes her successful in goal at Fife HS. Look for Madison to build off her 2nd Team All-League finish from 2023 to help the Trojans battle for playoff contention.     Tomlinson and her Cashmere Bulldogs have a been on a tear as of late. The senior GK leads a stout back line that boasts an impressive .50 GAA on the season and that number is sure to drop as the season progresses. Kamryn has a quick reaction to shots within the area and has a great push to cover the posts. She is a shutout machine and there is no doubt she will be vying for back-to-back 1st Team All-State accolades come seasons end. <a href=""></a>      Haileys command presence on the back line is evident immediately as she takes the pitch. The senior Captain and her defense have shutout their last three opponents and have only allowed three goals in seven games to start the season. This dominance has been a common occurrence for Hammerstrom and her Cougars throughout her prep career. Hailey's powerful clearances keep the ball pressed in their opposition's half which causes havoc for opposing defenses. This multi-sport varsity athlete has big play ability and seems to always find herself in the right place at the right time. Hammerstrom and Seton Catholic will look to hold off their competition and take the Trico 1A league title in 2024.

When we are talking about 2A and 1A High School classifications we start talking about some private schools and some of the more rural schools with modest enrollments. Though sometimes these schools and athletes are not in the everyday headlines, they can no doubt dominate and hold their own versus the toughest competition in their respective conferences and classifications. There is plenty of college level talent walking the halls of these schools, you just need to take a look.